The e-passport integrates a traditional passport booklet with an embedded electronic chip, known as a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip
India has officially commenced the issuance of biometric e-passports, marking a significant advancement in the nation’s travel documentation. This move aligns India with over 120 countries that have adopted similar technology to enhance security and streamline international travel.
The e-passport integrates a traditional passport booklet with an embedded electronic chip, known as a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip. This chip securely stores the holder’s personal and biometric information, including their photograph, fingerprints, passport number, and date of birth. A small gold symbol on the cover indicates the presence of this electronic feature.
The introduction of e-passports aims to bolster national security by preventing identity fraud and enabling more efficient identity verification at immigration checkpoints. The encrypted data on the chip is protected by international security protocols such as Basic Access Control (BAC) and Extended Access Control (EAC), ensuring that the information remains secure and tamper-proof.
The rollout of e-passports is currently underway in 13 Indian cities, including Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Goa, and Ranchi, as part of the Passport Seva Programme 2.0. The Ministry of External Affairs plans to expand this service to all Passport Seva Kendras across the country by mid-2025.
Applications for e-passports can be submitted online through the Passport Seva Portal. Applicants are required to create an account, fill out the application form, pay the applicable fee, and schedule an appointment at their nearest Passport Seva Kendra or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra for biometric data collection. The e-passports are manufactured domestically at the India Security Press in … supporting the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Existing traditional passports will remain valid until their expiration dates, ensuring a smooth transition for current passport holders. The adoption of e-passports represents a significant step in India’s ongoing efforts to enhance the security and efficiency of its travel documentation system.
